"My
name is Mary Etta Mitchell Martin, the grand-daughter of Belma Mitchell and
Cynthia Morgan who were married by 'jumping the broom,' an African custom in
the late 1800's...Both were born in Lafayette County near the southwest
corner of Thacker Height Community. Belma, the son of a slave, begat six
sons: Henry, Berkley, Olonzo, Johnny, Hosea & child 6; and five daughters:
Rosa, Addie, Narciss, Tennessee (Tinmie) and Odessa...A large family of
children was desired for economic reasons--to help with farm work. The
children were taught by their parents since there was very little formal
training in schools. The children were carried to church in wagon regularly
each first Lords day of the month: it was there they were reinforced to be
honest, and respectful and to love everybody.

My father, Berkley Mitchell, the second son of Belma and Cynthia Mitchell,
had three wives: Sally Carethers, Millia Hewlett and Mama [Miller]...Sally
Carethers bore him 5 sons: